Bay City Commission set to appoint former deputy city manager to Economic Development Corp.

View full sizeSteve Black, as Bay City's deputy manager of community development, gives a presentation. MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI — Bay City Commissioners will decide at this evening’s 7:30 p.m., Aug. 5, session whether to appoint Steven Black, the city’s former deputy manager of community development, to the Economic Development Corp. for a term to conclude April 1, 2018.

Black spent up to 40 hours a week working on the Uptown Bay City project before he left to work for the RACER Trust Fund in June 2012.

He continues to be a presence in local development discussions. In his capacity as an EDC member, he would be responsible for such tasks as decreasing unemployment, assisting and retaining local industries and revitalizing the economy, according to city documents.

This is a mayoral appointment. Black would serve without salary but could be reimbursed for some official expenses, according to city documents.

Black could not be reached for comment. On his application, though, Black’s response to a question about why he desires to serve is as follows: “Desire to stay involved and contribute to community success.”

“We’re lucky to have Steve,” Mayor Christopher Shannon said. “He’s an incredible talent. Even though he left the city’s employment, he’s still living in Bay City. He’s got a lot of credentials.”

Tonight’s meeting will happen at the Pere Marquette Depot, 1000 Adams St. In other business, the commission could vote on:

Whether to ratify a $24,520 contract and change order with Bay City-based Pyramid Paving Co., for material and labor associated with the City Hall parking lot.

“Funding is available in the City Hall grounds account, … and the remainder of the cost will be paid with a grant that the City was awarded in the amount of $15,000 for the project from the Department of Health and Human Services, State of Michigan,” according to city documents. “The City’s portion is $9,520.”

Acting City Manager and Clerk Dana Muscott could not be reached for comment.

“Uneven pavement and pot holes were present and needed to be repaired on an annual basis,” she says in city documents. “This is just one of the upgrades that we had planned for City Hall for the future. Since funding became available from the State of Michigan, it was prudent to complete this.”

City Hall, 301 Washington Ave., remains closed due to a fire-restoration project. The building caught fire during roof repairs in October 2010.

Whether to approve a 12-year tax abatement on $280,715 so that Stertz Tower LLC, can convert 108 S. Linn St. into office space on the first floor and living and/or commercial space on the second floor.

Approve Jennifer Acker’s request, on behalf of BaySail, to hold the Summer Breeze event in Wenonah Park on Aug. 22.

Whether to approve a $3.8 million contract with Midland-based Gerace Construction Co. for a portion of the construction of the Uptown Bay City project.

MLive.com reporter Susan Vela will cover the meeting live in the comments section. Join in with questions while board members give their thoughts before making their decisions.